Getting a job in a casino can be one of the best choices you can make. There’s a lot of room for growth, and while the job may be pretty tough, it can also be enjoyable and allow you to grow as a person and a professional.

If you want to start a career in a casino and be around all your favorite games, there are several skills you need to master. If you’re going to take it a step further and become a dealer, there are more skills you will need.

Skills

There are a few skills you will have to master to succeed in the casino world. These are all skills you can learn, and you don’t have to be a natural.

Friendly Personality

Unless you are working behind the scenes, a casino job requires you to spend a lot of time dealing with people. You will have to be friendly, put a smile on your face, and carry yourself in a way that lets people know you are approachable.

Communication Skills

There’s no use in being friendly if you aren’t able to communicate effectively. You need to be able to help clients around the floor and answer any questions someone may have. You also need to communicate with your colleagues, as you never know when you may need their assistance.

Problem-Solving

Problem-solving in a casino environment will almost always involve helping a client have the best possible time. This will become even more important once you start dealing with high-rollers and even celebrities. They will look to you to get what they need and you will need to make it happen.

Teamwork

You don’t work by yourself at a casino. Depending on the size of the establishment, you will have dozens or even hundreds of colleagues. You may not like everyone you work with, but you need to put that aside and work well as a team. There will be many occasions when you can’t finish a task yourself and you have to do it as a team.

Flexibility

You’ll need to be flexible in the sense of being able to lend your hand to jobs that don’t necessarily fall under your contract. You’ll also need to be someone who can work longer hours and stay on top of your game. Once again, working with the rich and famous will offer new challenges every time and you’ll need to adapt.

Commitment

Working in a casino is a gratifying but incredibly demanding job, and you are constantly on your feet and the go while always dealing with clients. Add in the possible long hours, and it becomes a job that needs serious commitment and sacrifice.

Restraint

Working at a casino will put you in situations where there will be a lot of money, mixed with clients that could be uncouth and not on their best behavior. Emotions can run high, and you need to stay professional and patient at all times. You can’t lose your cool when the pressure is on.

Skills Needed to be a Dealer

If you want to work a specific job on the casino floor, many people begin as dealers. Dealers are needed at poker, craps, blackjack, roulette, and many other tables. In other words, dealers are required for any type of casino.

Dealer School

Dealer school is a must for anyone who is planning on becoming a dealer. They are courses that are usually 8-12 weeks long and will equip you with the tools you need to become a dealer that can pass a dealer audition at an interview.

Dealer school doesn’t require the same level of prerequisites that college needs, for instance, but there are minimum requirements. You need to be at least 18 years old, have finished high school or have a GED, and have no misdemeanors or felonies attached to theft.

On-the-Job Training

If you can’t attend a dealer school, some casinos may offer you on-the-job training. You will still need the exact minimum requirements mentioned above, but skipping the school phase may be a huge plus for some.

Dealer Skills

There are some specific skills associated with being a dealer, and there are some that you will have but will need to improve on. The first skill is your communication ability. You can’t be quiet as a dealer; you need to ensure everyone at the table knows what is happening, and you can answer questions whenever needed.

Your customer service skills need to be much better if you are planning on being a dealer. While you deal with clients on the floor, it’s a one-on-one experience at a table for much longer. You must ensure that the clients sitting at your table have a good time and are well looked after.

You will need analytical skills as well. Being a dealer requires you to understand how the game works, what is happening at any one time, and maths as you will need to keep track of chip stacks and cards on the table. The players are looking to you to know what is happening as they aren’t paying attention to anything but their cards.

You also have to be outgoing and fun. As mentioned already, you are dealing with a tiny group of people for extended periods and you can’t be stone-faced and quiet. You need to interact, make conversation and be more than just the person who deals the cards.

Finally, you need to be fit. Standing doesn’t require a ton of energy, but standing for hours on end does. It’s tiring work that will make your legs burn if you aren’t prepared for it. You will also be doing many upper body movements that will play havoc with your back, like bending over the table, stretching for chips, and whatnot. Going to the gym and being in great physical shape is a must.